ISLAMABAD/ PESHAWAR  -  National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is working closely with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government and Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) to mitigate the impact of floods, landslides, and lightning strikes, in response to severe weather conditions.

NDMA is actively coordinating the prompt dispatch of relief goods and providing operational support to PDMA for rescue efforts in the affected districts under the direction of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif.

Over the past 24 hours, these severe weather events have claimed 180 lives in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including 152 men, 15 women, and 13 children. In addition, five fatalities were reported in Gilgit and nine in Azad Jammu & Kashmir. Torrential rains in various districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa also left 23 people injured.

Relief and rescue operations are being actively carried out by PDMA, Pakistan Army, district administrations, Rescue 1122, and local volunteers. NDMA is maintaining round-the-clock monitoring of all ongoing operations and coordinating with relevant institutions to ensure effective emergency response.

Authorities caution that in the event of further rains, the risk of additional landslides remains high. Citizens are urged to remain vigilant, take precautionary measures during spells of heavy rain and flooding, and avoid unnecessary travel to vulnerable areas. Tourists are especially advised to refrain from visiting northern regions for the next five to six days to ensure their safety.

In response to heavy rains and subsequent flooding, the Deputy Commissioner of Buner has declared a state of flood emergency in the sub-divisions of Daggar, Gadezai, Gagra, Mandanr, and Chagharzi.

According to the official notification, all concerned line departments have been directed to activate their respective units as per the District Emergency Response Plan. Departments are also instructed to mobilize resources for timely rescue, relief, and assistance to the flood-affected population.

The directive further calls for immediate damage assessments, with detailed reports to be submitted to the District Administration. All officers and officials of line departments are required to remain on duty, including weekends, to ensure continuous monitoring and swift response.

The order will remain in effect until further notice. Copies of the directive have been forwarded to senior provincial officials, including the Additional Chief Secretary, the Senior Member Board of Revenue, the Commissioner Malakand Division, and the Director General of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority.

The District Police Officer has been instructed to mobilize the police force, while the Additional Deputy Commissioner (Relief) will ensure field inspections and coordination. All assistant commissioners and rescue officials have been told to remain in the field to provide uninterrupted rescue services.